Discover Grottammare: Beach, Old Town and Culture

Grottammare combines the Adriatic coast, historic paths and a remarkable density of cultural attractions. Between the Vecchio Incasato, the seafront promenade and the beaches, you can get to know the town from different perspectives: as a destination for architecture and museums, for walks by the water or for regional traditions.

Beach, Lungomare and nature

Grottammare’s seafront promenade stretches for approximately five kilometres. The Lungomare is also crossed by a 5,500-metre-long cycle path that connects Grottammare with Cupra Marittima to the north and San Benedetto del Tronto to the south. It is recognised as a section of the Trieste–Leuca B16 Ciclovia Adriatica. This makes it possible to view the coast by bicycle from a perspective of its own, without placing the historic side of the town at the centre.

Grottammare’s Spiaggia Sud was included in the list of beaches awarded the 2026 Bandiera Blu. Free specialised bathing chairs can be delivered, after reservation, to the beaches you specify along the entire town waterfront. For summer 2026, Grottammare also approved free beach volleyball and beach tennis courts on parts of its free beaches.

The town also reveals a nature-oriented side by the sea. NATURAMMARE protects sections of beach from access with simple posts and ropes so that the dune flora can develop. The NATURAMMARE beach area created by volunteers in 2025 became a nesting site for the Little Ringed Plover; the first chicks were recorded there in 2026. For the 2026 bathing season, the free, inclusive and low-barrier “Peppe Greco” beach area on Lungomare De Gasperi, level with the Ischia district, at beach S3, was also scheduled to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from 14 June to 15 September.

Vecchio Incasato and historic sites

The tour through the Vecchio Incasato, the Paese alto, leads through cobbled lanes, to panoramic views and past centuries-old architecture. A transport service operates to and from the Vecchio Incasato. Thus, the upper part of the town is an important stop during a stay in Grottammare not only in terms of content, but also for practical orientation.

One of the historic points of reference is San Martino Abbey. It was founded between the 8th and 9th centuries by Benedictine monks from Farfa on the remains of an ancient pagan temple. The Sacra Giubilare is celebrated whenever 1 July falls on a Sunday. It ends on the evening of 1 July with a historic procession of performers and a torchlight procession, during which the banner and sacred images are returned to the Church of San Giovanni.

The Teatro dell’Arancio is a historic theatre in the Marche region dating from the late 18th century. After a complete restoration, it reopened in 2003 and regained its original function. The Museo Torrione della Battaglia displays around 230 works by Pericle Fazzini, including sculptures, preparatory studies, drawings, prints and other exhibits.

Sacred art is also represented in Grottammare. The Museo Sistino di Arte Sacra displays paintings from the 15th to the 20th century and contains a 16th-century chalice presented to Grottammare by Pope Sixtus V. The Museo Il Tarpato explores the history and traditions of Grottammare through Pomili’s paintings. The various collections therefore focus on different areas, from sacred works and religious history to local cultural memory and more modern art.

Agriculture, laurel and local specialities

An agricultural tour draws attention to the Arancio Biondo del Piceno: during the tour, you can taste jam made from this regionally designated orange. The tour ends at the so-called “Viale degli Allori”, a symbolic place illustrating Grottammare’s connection with laurel cultivation and this historically rooted production. The route also recommends the nurseries of the Associazione Vivaisti di Grottammare to learn more about laurel and, if desired, purchase a plant.

Another established tradition is the Fiera di San Martino, which traditionally takes place in Grottammare on 11 November. Local specialities and numerous confectionery products are offered there; new wine and roasted chestnuts are also sampled. Alongside the beach and culture, the date and culinary themes give the town a distinct regional annual rhythm.

Getting there and choosing your accommodation

Grottammare can be reached directly via the state road and the A14 motorway. The town also has a railway station served by Trenitalia, as well as urban and intercity bus routes. When choosing a hotel in Grottammare, you can therefore first decide what you want your days to focus on: the Lungomare and beaches, the lanes and museums of the Vecchio Incasato, or the town’s agricultural and culinary themes. The verified offers relating to the coast, history, nature and regional everyday life can thus be combined with your personal travel plans.

If you would like to explore more places for your trip to Italy, you can find additional destinations here: Piane Vecchie, Montedinove, Montelparo, Appignano del Tronto, Centobuchi, Massignano, Castignano and Ripatransone.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.